What Action Can be Taken Against a Bum Reseller?

[dkcaudill]

hello all,

I've recently encountered a warranty issue with a reseller, pcsourceonline.com They claim that their company no longer exists, even though everything about the company is the same. Therefore, they say, their warranty no longer covers my product's defect. They've refered me to disconnected numbers, hung up on me, and sent me off to answering machines. They've even gone so far as to tell me to call my local police. After some research I foudn out they've got the same phone number for all of the companies, and even buy phone numbers from other companies so they can get all of their phone-sales.
I'm only out about $200-ish for parts (a Samsung PC2700 512MB chip) but I'm angry that this scam is so blatant and open. What can I do to collect on my warranty? The BBB has a complaint from me filed, but they've not been able to get alot done. Whats the next step in recourse?

[JKLiMpKoRn]

What is the problem with your chip ne way?.... well to answer your question


Say you will "seek legal remedies for this problem". The will probably not like the fact that someone is willing to take them to court about this because it can hurt future business. But before you do that, send a couple of letters saying that you are not happy with the care the business is taking to help you with your problem and call them a few times. If that gets you nowhere give up or go to court.

[rev_ryan]

Don't bother with the BBB...they are as worthless as **** on a boar. They don't have any legal authority to do anything but say the business is bad. They can't get your money back, and they certainly can't offer any legal recourse. Besides, the BBB is one of the biggest conflicts of interest in consumer advocacy. They are paid for by the very companies they are supposed to be keeping in line.

Your best bet is to contact the attorney general's office in the state that the reseller resides in, as well as the AG in your home state. They will either send you a complaint form, or put you in touch with the appropriate agency in your state. Write a letter to the AG, being sure to send a cc: to the reseller. Fill out all of the paperwork promptly, and for Pete's sake, FOLLOW THROUGH! Companies like that thrive on people who just don't want the "hassle" of being responsible consumers.

Hope this helps,

Rev. Ryan Lankford

[nunyadam]

you also need to post a review of them on www.resellerratings.com to help others avoid them.

[OuTpaTienT]

It's kinda a long shot but contact some of your local consumer advocacy groups. There's probably many in your area (although you don't tell us where your area is).

I know here in the Bay Area all four of our local TV news stations have their own consumer watchdog departments. Of course only the most interesting stories ever get broadcast, but they also help tons of people that we never hear about. I once heard the consumer reporter say that for every one story we broadcast there's easily 100 other people that we've helped resolve their problem that you'll never see.